Program Overview

BA (Hons) Computer Arts

Immerse yourself in a world where art, media and games come together to deliver one of the most distinguished Computer Arts degrees in Europe. Ranked TOP Scottish Modern University for Computer Arts and Game Design (Complete University Guide 2025).

Overview

• Duration: 4 years (full-time)
• Award Title: BA (Hons)
• UCAS Code: GW42

Why study Computer Arts at Abertay?

• Immerse yourself in a world of digital design on one of the most prestigious Computer Arts degrees in Europe.
• Join our vibrant, multi-disciplinary community, with industry and creative professionals who’ll support and guide you all the way.
• You’ll access networking, collaboration, and mentorship opportunities with leading game studios.
• Through individual and team projects you’ll develop industry-ready work, showcasing your artistic, professional and technical abilities.

Intern and mentorship opportunities

• There are internship/placement opportunities which you can apply for in third year.
• Alternatively, you’ll work directly with industry mentors, developing a prototype project as part of an multi-disciplinary team.

Accreditations

• This degree is accredited by TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry.

Potential Careers

• Animator
• Character Artist
• Character TD
• Environment Artist
• Tech Artist
• Concept Artist
• Digital Content Creator

Industry Links, Internships and Mentors

• We aim to prepare you for a successful career with hands-on experiences that showcase your ability to tackle real-world projects.
• You’ll work on industry-relevant project briefs, collaborate with industry mentors and receive coaching from academic staff, many of whom are practising artists with extensive games industry experience.

Dare Academy

• Abertay University’s Dare Academy games design competition enables students to gain significant industry exposure and international experience.

How the Course Works

• You can tailor your education during your time on the Computer Arts degree, with flexible module briefs and optional modules designed to fit specialist interests and develop depth in your subject knowledge.

Learning and Assessment

• Lectures and practical tutorials are where you’ll work with staff, other students and industry mentors to develop unique solutions to project briefs.
• Your tutorial sessions will focus on developing innovative ideas, process and technique that lead to a final outcome.

E-portfolio guidance

• If you meet the criteria, you’ll be asked to submit an e-portfolio that shows us your artistic and creative abilities.

Entry Requirements

Subject Requirements

• Essential requirements: Applicants are required to submit an ePortfolio of work.

UK Entry to Year 1

• Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects
• Higher (standard entry) | ABBB | Art or Photography or Graphic Communication or Production Design at grade C. An online portfolio is also required.
• Higher (minimum entry) We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria. Find out if you’re eligible for minimum entry (see below). | ABB | Art or Photography or Graphic Communication or Production Design at grade C. An online portfolio is also required.
• A-Level | BCC | Art or Graphic Design or Design and Technology: Production Design
• T Level | Merit | Digital Production, Design & Development or Digital Production, Design & Development (Pearson)
• Irish Highers | H2H3H3H3 | Art
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Based Programme (IBDP) | 29 Points | Visual Arts or Fine Art at S5 or H4
• International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) | We encourage applications with the IBCP but understand that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying. | We accept the International Baccalaureate Careers-related Programme (IBCP). Any subject requirements must be met as per our published IB Diploma requirements.
• BTEC Extended Diploma | DMM | Art & Design or Creative Digital Media Production or Creative Media Production
• SQA HNC/HND | B | Our College Qualifications pages list approved HNC/HND courses
• BTEC HNC | M | 3D Design, Creative Media Production, Graphic Design or Interactive Media
• AHEAD | - | Successful completion of the relevant stream of our AHEAD programme

UK Entry to Year 2

• Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects
• Advanced Higher | AAB | To include Art and Computer Science or Graphic Communication
• A-Level | AAB | To include Art and Computer Science or Design Technology
• International Baccalaureate | 34 Points | 3 Higher subjects at grade 4 to include Visual Arts and Computing or Design Technology
• SQA HNC | B | Computer Arts & Design
• SQA HND | B | Our College Qualifications pages list approved HND courses
• BTEC HND | M | Creative Media Production
• International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) | See next column | If you are taking HNC/HND with one or more Higher Levels IB subjects, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

UK Entry to Year 3

• Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects
• SQA HND | B | Computer Arts & Design
• International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) | See next column | If you are taking HNC/HND with one or more Higher Levels IB subjects, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

International Entry

• We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants from across the world.
• Please select your country from the searchable list below to view different qualification entry requirements.

Academic Requirements

• All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.

Fees and funding

• The course fees you’ll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.

Scholarships

• We offer a range of scholarships to help support your studies with us.
• As well as Abertay scholarships for English, Welsh, Northern Irish and international students, there are a range of corporate and philanthropic scholarships available.
• Some are course specific, many are not.

Discover Uni

• The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats) is an official source of information about higher education.
• It collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study.

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